Sustainable cities and regions

What’s at Stake with Regards to Sustainable Cities and Regions for “Rio +20”

Sustainable cities, a major global challenge of the coming decades, represent an emerging theme for the Rio +20 Conference. In 2030, urban residents will number nearly 5 billion, i.e. 60% of the population; in 2050, probably 6 billion. This rapid urban growth will be 95% in developing countries. In order to meet this dual challenge – environmental and governance – we must support inclusive urban development providing for both containing a process of social and spatial fragmentation and slum expansion and minimizing the ecological footprint of these cities. Indeed, they already consume 70% of global energy and emit 70% of greenhouse gas emissions.

At Rio +20, French local authorities and partners will share experiences and expertise in urban governance, habitat management, housing planning, heritage protection, and life style restoration.

France’s Commitments with Regards to Sustainable Cities and Regions

France is deeply involved in this subject, both in its national territory through the “Sustainable City Plan” and in the field of international cooperation. It has adopted the “French Cooperation Orientations in Support of Urban Governance” strategy focused on supporting local authorities and has structured its cooperation mechanism by forming a French Partnership for Cities and Regions (PFVT), a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue and enhancing urban expertise internationally. It also supports, through decentralized cooperation, many projects to safeguard natural and cultural heritage in various partner countries.

Finally, France has chosen sustainable cities and regions as the theme for its pavilion in Rio. It will organize numerous events and activities on this theme throughout the conference.